Foppa in Denver – but he’s still got a place here, remember? (With updated Sundin comment)

If you are out and about in Denver tonight or the next few nights and you happen to see Peter Forsberg, your eyes won’t be deceiving you. Foppa is in town right now, some reliable snoops tell me.

But, no, do not expect a Foppa contract-signing press conference in the next little while. Forsberg still has a fat pad here in town (although the last time I checked, he was renting it out to Nene of the Nuggets).

He’s also got his girlfriend of the last few years going to school here, and it’s Christmas time, so it doesn’t take a genius to wonder why he might be in town.

Anyway, for as much drama and work he’s caused me over the years as a reporter from his mysterious medical ailments, I always am rooting for Forsberg to make it back as a hockey player. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen in his prime, and it’s always great for reader interest when his name comes up. We get the daily hit counts on online stories at the Post, and I can tell you whenever Foppa is involved, the hits skyrocket, into the five figures.

Anyway, it looks like the saga of another Swede, Mats Sundin, might drag on a few more days. Is this guy the most indecisive person on the planet, or what? Good lord, make up your mind, Mats.

He will not be coming to the Avs, by the way. And the biggest reason why he’ll probably go to the Rangers over Vancouver is because of the travel factor. One of Sundin’s former Toronto teammates, Darcy Tucker, said Mats is highly attracted to east coast travel as opposed to a Western team like Vancouver – which if I’m not mistaken flies more miles on average than any other NHL team.

About my post the other day about Chris Drury possibly being dumped by the Rangers: it’s highly unlikely Drew would waive his no-movement clause for anything, and highly likely he’ll stay a Ranger. All I know is I’ve heard it from what I believe to be good sources that the Rangers at least considered/are considering trying to move him and his big salary to be able to afford Mats.

The latest Rangers whispering I heard this morning is this: Rozsival to Dallas for Sean Avery, then the Rangers send Avery to the minors. That way, the Rangers remove a big salary off their books, the Stars rid themselves of the Avery headache and his salary, and the Rangers don’t have to have Avery’s salary on their salary cap for the year as long as he stays in the minors. They’d still have to pay him his $4 million-plus per year, but if he’s in the minors it wouldn’t count against the cap.

Then, if the Rangers lose somebody important to injury, they could call Avery up and probably be able to fit his salary on the books because of long-term injury relief. And, let’s face it, Avery is probably best off in New York, where crazy people abound.

**Well, I guess Mats has decided he won’t mind the travel he’ll be doing as a Vancouver Canuck.
Personally, I think the Canucks are INSANE for giving this guy a $10 million (pro-rated, I know) contract. A 37-year-old center whose best days are behind him, getting $10 million. Amazing.
Remember when the Canucks signed Mark Messier to a three-year, $18 million deal about 10 years ago? This is the sequel to that insanity.

Money, as usual, won out. But of course Mats will say it “wasn’t about the money.” Ha ha.

On the other hand, Sundin is a good player the Canucks added for nothing except money. So if they’ve got it to spend, why not? It’s certainly going to increase excitement in Vancouver.

This is an interesting situation, we are talking about two of the most popular players in Avs history coming back, and you can also argue the biggest mistake the Avs have made is letting these same two players leave. I hope Forsberg makes it back because like AD says he is the best player I believe I’ve ever seen put skates on, but Drury would not be a good fit because of his salary hit is 7 mil. Avs can’t do that number and expect to resign other young players.

Danny

This is an interesting situation, we are talking about two of the most popular players in Avs history coming back, and you can also argue the biggest mistake the Avs have made is letting these same two players leave. I hope Forsberg makes it back because like AD says he is the best player I believe I’ve ever seen put skates on, but Drury would not be a good fit because of his salary hit is 7 mil. Avs can’t do that number and expect to resign other young players.

Kick

I couldn’t agree more, he is a one of a kind talent and he definitely gave the team a boost last year. Just imagine if his foot actually improves dramatically? I certainly couldn’t stand the idea of him playing for another team, could you? Red Wings anyone? He belongs here, period.

Kick

I couldn’t agree more, he is a one of a kind talent and he definitely gave the team a boost last year. Just imagine if his foot actually improves dramatically? I certainly couldn’t stand the idea of him playing for another team, could you? Red Wings anyone? He belongs here, period.

Ken J.

I can understand the love of Foppa. I grew up watching Gretzky. Forsberg has that sixth sense ability to see the ice the way the Great One did. You only see his kind of skill once every generation or so. After the Av’s moved here, I knew we had something very special in him and he has not disappointed. It’s like watching Rembrandt paint or something. It’s purely natural skill. It was definitely there at the end of last season. He just has a body that won’t cooperate, but I’d still pay to see him and I don’t go to games anymore. That’s another story though……

Ken J.

I can understand the love of Foppa. I grew up watching Gretzky. Forsberg has that sixth sense ability to see the ice the way the Great One did. You only see his kind of skill once every generation or so. After the Av’s moved here, I knew we had something very special in him and he has not disappointed. It’s like watching Rembrandt paint or something. It’s purely natural skill. It was definitely there at the end of last season. He just has a body that won’t cooperate, but I’d still pay to see him and I don’t go to games anymore. That’s another story though……

AvsLady

Welcome Home Peter! Weird choice for a picture though. Why him with the Preds? As a side note, I believe I’ve read that the Avs players are a lot more respectful of their team logo. I’ve heard that no one is allowed to walk on it. The exception was the 2001 finals when the locker room was crammed with people when they won the Cup.

As for Mats: Bettman should have put an end to these kinds of drama queen stunts, last year, when Neidermeyer and Selanne did this to to Anaheim.

AvsLady

Welcome Home Peter! Weird choice for a picture though. Why him with the Preds? As a side note, I believe I’ve read that the Avs players are a lot more respectful of their team logo. I’ve heard that no one is allowed to walk on it. The exception was the 2001 finals when the locker room was crammed with people when they won the Cup.

As for Mats: Bettman should have put an end to these kinds of drama queen stunts, last year, when Neidermeyer and Selanne did this to to Anaheim.

D L

So much for Mats hating West coast travel…and probably the Rangers dealing for Avery. TSN is reporting that Sundin has signed with the Canucks. Not good for the Avs, if Sundin is the impact forward Vancouver is hoping he’ll be.

The Stars will probably have to send a high draft pick along with Avery wherever he ends up going just to sweeten the deal. Why would any other team want to deal with him and the $4M cap hit?

D L

So much for Mats hating West coast travel…and probably the Rangers dealing for Avery. TSN is reporting that Sundin has signed with the Canucks. Not good for the Avs, if Sundin is the impact forward Vancouver is hoping he’ll be.

The Stars will probably have to send a high draft pick along with Avery wherever he ends up going just to sweeten the deal. Why would any other team want to deal with him and the $4M cap hit?

Al

Sundin’s washed up. Sure, he’ll give Vancouver a boost, but I still don’t see them as a legitimate Cup contender yet. Someone’s going to feel awfully silly about paying Sundin all that cash if they’re out in the first round.

Either way, I’m not too concerned because it’s not like the Avs are in contention for the division…

Al

Sundin’s washed up. Sure, he’ll give Vancouver a boost, but I still don’t see them as a legitimate Cup contender yet. Someone’s going to feel awfully silly about paying Sundin all that cash if they’re out in the first round.

Either way, I’m not too concerned because it’s not like the Avs are in contention for the division…

Father

AD- the other day in your blog you said you arent the type of dude to report where Forseys lady attends college, then the next day in an article you named the school. Not that I care where she goes to school, but why would you say one thing and do another?
As for the Canucks, they overpaid.

Father

AD- the other day in your blog you said you arent the type of dude to report where Forseys lady attends college, then the next day in an article you named the school. Not that I care where she goes to school, but why would you say one thing and do another?
As for the Canucks, they overpaid.

Dan G

One of my favorite Forsberg plays was during a playoff game when he was being tied up in front of the net. He had no play except to turn his skate and angle it towards the point man. He made this move BEFORE the point man shot the puck. It deflected in and counted because turning your foot before the shot is not a distinct kicking motion. I’ll never forget it because he knew the play before the guy with the puck did. Typifies how he plays the game.

Yea, yea, when he skated from face off dot to face off dot around the back of the net with one hand on his stick and the other fighting off 2-3 defenders and then scoring was pretty cool, too.

Dan G

One of my favorite Forsberg plays was during a playoff game when he was being tied up in front of the net. He had no play except to turn his skate and angle it towards the point man. He made this move BEFORE the point man shot the puck. It deflected in and counted because turning your foot before the shot is not a distinct kicking motion. I’ll never forget it because he knew the play before the guy with the puck did. Typifies how he plays the game.

Yea, yea, when he skated from face off dot to face off dot around the back of the net with one hand on his stick and the other fighting off 2-3 defenders and then scoring was pretty cool, too.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.